We tell you all about psoriasis, this disease suffers from 2% of the population in France

Although it is a frequent disease – it affects between 2 and 5% of the French population -, the psoriasis it still remains little known to the general public. Recognizable thanks to its teardrop-shaped lesions, it affects many areas of the body such as the face, elbows, knees, scalp or nails.

Uriage dermatologist Dr. Toni Ionesco sheds light on the causes of this chronic skin inflammation and gives advice on how to live with it better.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious inflammatory skin disease characterized by the appearance of one or more well defined red spots covered with large scales. It affects areas of the skin subject to trauma and friction such as elbows and knees, but lesions may also appear on the scalp and in the folds (intergluteal sulcus, armpits, inframammary folds, etc.).

According to Dr. Ionesco, it develops in genetically predisposed people: ” family history is always found and genetic studies prove it ”. When these individuals are exposed to triggers such as stress, emotional shock and taking certain medications (beta blockers, lithium salts and antihypertensives), psoriasis can appear and spares no one!

The dermatologist explains it Lose :

Psoriasis can start at any age and affects both children and the elderly. There is a peak in incidence between 16 and 22 years, then between 57 and 60 years.

The course of the disease is unpredictable – you can have an isolated flare-up and never hear about it again or have only new lesions several years later. ” Being a disease with a genetic predisposition, we have to accept the idea that we cannot cure it, but fortunately today we have many very effective treatments. “, Reassures the healthcare professional.

What treatments for psoriasis?

The therapeutic management of psoriasis depends on its severity, its location, the affected surface and the impact of the disease on the quality of life. As soon as the first plaques appear, it is important quickly consult a dermatologist to be able to decide on a tailor-made attack plan consisting, as appropriate, of local, oral and / or injectable treatments.

Doctor Toni Ionesco enlightens us:

Local treatments are available for the treatment of small surface psoriatic plaques: creams, lotions and ointments based on corticosteroids and / or vitamin D.

For more extensive and severe forms of psoriasis, local treatment is not sufficient and it is necessary to proceed phototherapy, performed in dermatological wards or clinicsor oral medications such as methotrexate and cyclosporinewhich are very effective, but require careful follow-up by the dermatologist

If the results obtained are not satisfactory, other therapeutic accompaniments such as biotherapies, administered subcutaneously, can be considered. It is important to understand that the Psoriasis treatment is long-termand that it is essential to establish an honest and regular dialogue with your doctor to find the most suitable solutions.

How to relieve a psoriasis attack?

In addition to the treatments prescribed by the doctor, cosmetic products can be used to soften the skin.

“Psoriasis develops in flare-ups, with periods of worsening of the lesions and calmer periods. These outbreaks are treated with drugs, but we must not forget to associate them well-tolerated emollients specially designed and tested to soothe and decrease the itching or discomfort of psoriatic plaques “Explains the dermatologist Uriage.

Baths containing wheat starch, colloidal oatmeal, or borage, almond, or jojoba oils can also help calm inflammation and soften the skin.

Shopping to reduce the discomfort of psoriasis

Front page photo credit: @claires__psoriasis on Instagram